February 2nd, 2023

Hello families,

On Tuesday we visited the aquarium in the Learning Commons and students finished up their observation sketches from last week. We then learned about the word "habitat" and what kind of habitat the animals in the aquarium might need. Students then designed their idea of a habitat within their field journals.

We then visited our school documentation board about the aquarium and looked at the work going on in other classrooms as well as the work posted from ours!

We also began to learn about liquids and the importance of water in our lives and on Earth. Students made some excellent connections to where we get our water from, and why it is important. Living in Calgary, we further discussed the water resources near us including the Bow and Elbow river, as well as the Glenmore reservoir.

In writing we started our next Writing Workshop inspired by The Color Monster by Anna Llenas. We started with a graphic organizer to plan our writing, shared it with Ms. Greenhall, and are now drafting and revising it before we move onto our final copy.

Our focus this workshop is on spelling and adding detail. We left "spacing" up on our board as a reminder to students who are still working on this too!

Students began revising their work using a pencil crayon to underline the words that they think are spelled incorrect. They then tried to correct the words if they knew their error, or asked Ms. Greenhall for the correct spelling. Some students began correcting for capitals and periods as well!

In math we continued to review different ways to add, allowing students to choose their preferred strategies. Students then completed a math assessment to demonstrate their understanding of the following outcomes:

Grade 1: I can use addition to solve equations within 20

Grade 2: I can use addition to solve equations within 100

Grade 1/2: I can identify the addends and sum within an addition equation

We also completed our February calendars. These will go home with students as they complete them. There are lots of special days this month!

During word work we learned about the digraphs" KN" and "CK", and the actions associated with them. Ask your child what these are!

In Social Studies students finished up their 7 Sacred Teachings art and we read another book connected to the teachings. Their art is now beautifully displayed in our room!

Tea time Tuesday was a success! Thank you everyone for sending in a mug for your child and for the tea donations. We will be good for a while!

Many students decided to try the peppermint tea. Some enjoyed it and some did not.! This was a great moment to talk about the importance of trying new things and that it is okay to not always like them. Next week we will be steeping chamomile and peppermint tea so students will have a choice.

Please feel free to send in a different option for your child if you wish!